Robert Edward Verrier, Sr.

Aug 17, 1924 — Jun 29, 2026

Lake Wales, Florida

Robert Edward Verrier, Sr., “Bob,” passed away peacefully at his residence on June 29, 2026, surrounded by family.

Born on August 17, 1924, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Bob attended high school at Cambridge’s Rindge Technical School where he excelled in football, hockey and baseball. He was eventually inducted into their Hall of Fame as an outstanding athlete. Following graduation he was signed to play professional baseball but within weeks his plans were interrupted when he was called into the military. He served three years in the Navy aboard a Liberty Ship minesweeper assigned to the Mediterranean and Pacific regions.

After the war ended and his service was completed Bob resumed his athletic career. He was part of a group chosen to tour the UK and Europe playing hockey on a team known as the Boston Olympics. 

When he returned he joined a Canadian hockey team, the Glacé Bay Miners, based in Nova Scotia. It was while living in Canada that he met his future wife Polly Daye. After they married they spent several years traveling between Canada in the winter so he could play hockey and then to the United States in the summer where he played professional baseball up and down the East Coast.

After Bob retired from professional sports he and Polly moved to Burlington, Massachusetts to raise their family. His commitment to public service was demonstrated through his distinguished 25 year career as a firefighter. When not at the station he was working as a bricklayer for Belanger and Sons Construction.

His love of sport didn’t end when he retired from professional athletics. He helped build the youth hockey program in Burlington and joined one of his former professional hockey teammates, Ed Cahoon, as one of the high school hockey coach's and a referee. He inspired young athletes and was able to share his love of the game. He kept his skills sharp by playing semi-pro hockey for the Lowell Chiefs and the Walpole Sweepers. During the summer he was one of the founding members of the Burlington Swim and Tennis Club, new sports that he would be able to take with him when he moved to Florida.

In 1985 Bob and Polly retired to Lake Wales, Florida where they contributed significantly to community life at Saddlebag Lake Resort, an over 55 retirement park in Central Florida. He was President of the Tennis Club, a member of the Men’s Club, and active in the Golf League. He was able to continue playing both tennis and golf well into his 90’s. Each year he made sure he rode in the park’s parade representing the Veterans, right up until 2026 as the last surviving World War II veteran in the park.

Family was central to Bob and Polly’s lives. Each summer they continued their annual treks to New England before heading up to Canada to reconnect with all of Polly’s side of the family. He loved his visits with Polly’s sisters…they were avid bakers…and enjoyed many rounds of golf with their spouses.

Bob is survived by his daughters, Janet Wilson, Denise Ryan and her husband John, and Joanne Arbing and her husband Gary; sister, Lillian Arseneaux; brother, Richard Verrier and his wife Geraldine; grandchildren, Erik, Amanda, Ami, Christopher, Mia, Rob, and Justin; as well as great-grandchildren Aiddin, Michael, Mark, John, Jake, Sage, Brady, and Eloise.

Robert was predeceased by his beloved wife of 76 years, Mary Pauline “Polly” Verrier; son, Robert Verrier, Jr.; daughter-in-law AnnMarie Verrier; son-in-law, Ken Wilson; and sister, Lucille Chandler; brother-in-law George Chandler; and brother-in-law Peter Arseneaux as well as beloved family members across the border in Canada.

Robert Edward Verrier, Sr.’s remarkable life was characterized by service, excellence, and enduring connection to family and community. His contributions will leave a lasting legacy and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

No services are scheduled at this time. A graveside ceremony will be scheduled in Burlington at a future date.